Get an in-depth look at PLDS data and PLAmetrics at ALA Annual Conference

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CHICAGO — Data driven public librarians should be sure to attend the PLAmetrics Demonstration and User Group meeting at 10:30 a.m. - noon, Sunday, June 24, in Salon 1 of the Hyatt Regency Orange County. This event at the ALA 2012 Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif., is perfect for librarians interested in learning more about PLA’s online subscription database PLAmetrics or for current subscribers hoping to learn how to maximize the resource.

Subscribers to PLAmetrics can access PLDS data (2002-2011) and public-use IMLS data (1998-2009) and then take advantage of convenient templated or customizable reporting features. The data includes details on public library finances, resources, annual use figures, technology and more. It can be employed for peer comparisons, benchmarking and/or trend analyses, as well as to meet local, custom needs. Reports are automatically generated in real time and from the perspective of the requesting library. The report(s) can, if desired, be further modified and saved in the library's reports folder for later recall and use.

PLDS data will only be available in the online database this year. After more than 20 years of publishing an annual PLDS Survey Report book, and following much consideration of member input, production costs, environmental factors and more, PLA has decided to offer only the digital database this year. The digital database provides all the information of the print publication along with the flexibility and usefulness of multi-year data and dynamic and customizable functionality. If you and your library have typically purchased the print version, we hope you’ll consider giving the digital database a try and seeing the enhancements for yourself. If you have pre-ordered the PLDS book, your order form will be returned to you. If you have questions, please contact Kathleen Hughes, khughes@ala.org.

For more information and to purchase a one-year subscription ($250) to the PLDS online database, please go to www.plametrics.org. PLAmetrics is managed by Counting Opinions.

For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or visit PLA’s website at www.pla.org. PLA is a division of the American Library Association. PLA’s core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. Its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services.